KMPDU Welcomes SHIF Rollout, Secures Key Commitments from President Ruto
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By John Kariuki
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has lauded the launch of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), saying it marks a crucial step in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while safeguarding the welfare of health workers.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the official rollout of SHIF payments for indigent and vulnerable Kenyans, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah emphasized that the union’s engagement with the National Government had yielded tangible wins for doctors.
He noted that President William Ruto’s assurance to absorb all temporary UHC staff, including over 300 doctors, into permanent and pensionable terms was a direct response to concerns raised by both counties and the union over sustainability. “This commitment secures the future of our members and ensures stability in service delivery,” Dr. Atellah said.
The union further welcomed the full implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including timely payment of interns and the long-awaited settlement of seven-year basic salary arrears owed to doctors. Dr. Atellah described these as “victories for health workers after years of struggle.”
KMPDU also pushed for a structured annual recruitment plan for healthcare workers, modeled on the military and police systems. According to the union, such a framework would guarantee predictable staffing levels across counties and strengthen the UHC agenda. President Ruto pledged to engage governors on this proposal.
At the same time, the union raised the plight of residents in Kiambu County, where health services have been disrupted by an ongoing lockout. Dr. Atellah confirmed that all interns posted to the county are being redeployed to other stations to continue offering services.
While acknowledging the KSh 4.4 billion allocation by the National Government to cover 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans under SHIF, KMPDU reiterated that the success of UHC depends on recognizing health workers as a central pillar of the system.
“Viva KMPDU, long live the union,” Dr. Atellah declared, reaffirming the union’s resolve to defend both healthcare workers’ rights and patients’ access to quality care.
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